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For a moment, I forget to answer, making a blush settle on my cheeks.
“Hi, I’m Nevaeh,” I blurt out, my words too quick and breathless to come across in the cool, unaffected way I wish they would.
“Nevaeh. That’s ‘heaven’ spelled backward, isn’t it?” Not a lot of people pick up on that, and I’m surprised Adrian did this quickly. I smile at him with a nod.
Lincoln stands up, capturing my attention.
“Yes, it is, now back off, Romana,” he growls, his fingers curling into fists.
Adrian cocks an unimpressed brow as he studies the irrational man who is trying, and failing, to intimidate him. I can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous Lincoln looks, especially next to the taller, older F1 driver.
Both their heads turn in my direction, and I cover my mouth.
“I’m sorry, but what was that?” I ask, making Adrian turn away from Lincoln to hide his own smile. Lincoln shoots daggers my way, but I merely go back to cleaning up Gillian’s paperwork to get my heart to stop hammering so hard in my chest.
The moment is interrupted by Gabriel Biancheri and Kyle Hughes entering the room. The World Champion introduces himself politely and so does the second Grenzenlos driver. I offer for them to sit down when my phone starts ringing. Gillian’s name flashes on my screen, sending a bad feeling through me.
“Hello?” I step away from all four drivers to get some privacy.
Eyes burn my backside. I try to ignore them, convinced they’re either Adrian’s or Lincoln's. They could also both be staring at me, but I have other things to worry about right now.
“Nevaeh, I’m going to be a bit late for the meeting. Please start it without me.” Anxiety immediately floods my chest. Sensing my distress from his demand, he goes on, “Just introduce yourself, ask them some questions. You’ll be fine.” Gillian hangs up on me before I’m allowed to respond.
Perfect.
My feet bring me back over to where all four men are sitting. Kyle is reading something on his phone, and Gabriel is texting someone who is making him grin from ear to ear. I bet it’s Valentina Romana. They’ve been dating for a while now, and from what they’ve said in interviews, they’re quite happy.
“Um, I apologize, but Mr. Fender will be a bit late,” I start and decide to sit down in the chair next to Gillian’s. Lincoln watches me like a hawk while Adrian’s gaze shifts between me and the floor.
“No problem. We’re not in a rush,” Adrian replies to make me feel better, and I let out a small laugh I don’t mean.
I’m too nervous.
“Why don’t you introduce yourself? I mean, that’s what the meeting is for anyway, right?” Adrian suggests and leans forward to ensure I only look at him.
I could kiss him for giving me a place to start, for distracting me from the way my hands are shaking from anxiety.
“Okay, well, my name is Nevaeh Fuchs, I’m German, and I’ve been atGriffin Sportsfor two days now.”
“And you like photography,” Adrian adds, causing my heart to flutter. I nod with a small grin. “Well, it’s a pleasure, Nevaeh. We never get to meet journalists and reporters beforehand, especially ones who are as beautiful as you,” he says, and my breathing hitches.
Heat rushes into my cheeks at his flirtatiousness. I can’t help but flash him a smile.
“Seriously, Romana, watch yourself,” Lincoln growls, jealousy dripping from his lips.What the fuck is wrong with him?At this point, he’s just embarrassing himself with this territorial shit.
“You need to calm down, Nash,” Adrian warns. “You’re acting like a child.” I couldn’t agree more.
“Ah, I see. You’re still pissed because I got the seat at Grenzenlos that you weren’t good enough for all those years ago,” Lincoln replies.
I didn’t know Adrian had been a candidate for a Grenzenlos seat in the past, but it’s unsurprising. He’s one of the best drivers I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. Papa met Adrian’s grandfather and father a few years before their passing, and he always told me what great racers they were in their times.
It must be in their genes.
“Says the guy whose daddy is best friends with my father, the team principal of the Grenzenlos team,” I blurt out, causing all of their eyes to go wide.
Adrian snickers and leans forward in the chair to run his hands over his face. Gabriel bites down on the inside of his cheek to hide his amusement, and Kyle pulls his thin lips into a straight line. Lincoln, on the other hand, is boiling from anger. If I look closely enough, I’m sure I could see steam coming out of his ears.
“Can I talk to you in private for a moment?” Lincoln says with a husky, rough voice, letting me know he’s more upset with me than he’s ever been.
